Sony on the Future of PS4, EverQuest Next, and The Agency

“Although we haven’t specifically made any announcements, we will be bringing our major stuff over there [on PS4], including Everquest," Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley told IGN. "We’re not talking exactly about what it would be, but let’s just say it would closely resemble Everquest Next.” Its ForgeLight Engine, Smedley says, is running plenty fine on PS4, and has been for some time. SOE recently revealed EverQuest Next Landmark, a tool set separate from the MMO proper -- perhaps we'll see it, or something similar, make its way onto PS4.

Beyond that, Sony's interest lies in mobile and new IP -- so don't expect the canceled, ahead-of-its-time SOE action game The Agency to return any time soon.

"We are really looking hard at mobile and tablet stuff, and when we do that it’s very likely to be new IP," Smedley said. He did not elaborate about what those might entail.

I asked about the possibility of The Agency coming back in some form, whether on mobile or elsewhere. "The thing about games like [The Agency] is, it’s hard to bring them back when you lose momentum on a project. It sounds good, but games are sort of an idea you have at the time. You’re lucky if you can keep the vision long enough to get them launched. And then, if the fans love it, then you can have something after launch, too."

Smedley concluded, "But without the fans and without a great game, it’s not going to matter."

Mitch Dyer is an associate editor at IGN. He's currently reading Welcome to the Monkey House by Kurt Vonnegut. Talk to him on Twitter at @MitchyD.